Infection Control
6 Credits (ECTS)
Infection Control
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Module Description
This module introduces students to common infection control skills routinely practiced in all clinical settings.
Students will learn essential techniques and protocols to effectively prevent and manage infections.
The module emphasizes Maltese legislation related to infection control, ensuring students are knowledgeable about local legal requirements and standards.
This comprehensive approach equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to uphold high standards of hygiene and patient safety in their professional practice.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
- a qualification at minimum MQF Level 5 (or comparable as per MQRIC) in Nursing.
Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language capability at either:
- Academic IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
OR
- OET with a minimum of a ‘B’ grade in speaking and a minimum of ‘C+’ in writing, reading, and listening.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at:
- Non-EU trained nurses who are in possession of a minimum qualification at MQF Level 5 (or comparable as per MQRIC) in Nursing, seeking a bridging course to enable them to apply for registration with the Maltese Council of Nurses and Midwives as first level nurses.
Module / Unit Instructions
- This module uses a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via peer-to-peer learning.
- This module consists of lecturer-led sessions which include class lectures, online sessions, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities, fora and peer discussions promoting peer-to-peer learning, as well as simulation learning during which the students can work on an array of scenarios through role play.
- Online learning activities– synchronous and asynchronous sessions – may include active interaction led by the lecturer, participation, and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises. Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.
- The simulation learning provides continuous formative feedback as an on-going guidance during the student’s learning experience in preparation for their summative assessment
How you’ll be assessed
This module comprises of:
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
This module is assessed via 3 mandatory components:
- Formative Assessment
- Summative Assessment
- Simulation Learning
Learning Outcomes:
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Critically analyse and apply the principles of infection prevention and control to patient care in a range of clinical settings based on contemporary knowledge as best practice guidelines.
- Critically appraise the evidence base underpinning population-based infection prevention and control including common infections, Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs), their symptoms, and their treatments.
- Demonstrate evidence-based care to minimise the risk of infection and its spread, in a range of nursing settings and practising safe, effective, ethical, person-centred, holistic care.
- Critically appraise infection prevention and control national and local policy development and decision making including the concepts of epidemiology, environmental risk, and legal requirements of reporting of communicable diseases.
Knowledge:
By the end of this module the student will have been exposed to the following indicative content:
- The responsibilities of the nurse related to infection prevention and control skills within different clinical settings as established by ‘The Scope of Professional Practice’ of The Council for Nurses and Midwives, Malta (CNM).
- Knowledge of legal and ethical considerations and practices according to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for Nurses and Midwives, Council for Nurses and Midwives, Malta, January 2020.
- Knowledge of the existing official policies on infection prevention and control e.g., Mater Dei Hand Hygiene Policy.
- Defining infectious diseases, types of infections e.g. viral, bacterial, fungal, others; the disease transmission cycle, and modes of infection transmission.
- Principles of Infection Prevention and Control in clinical settings.
- National infection prevention and control.
Skills:
By the end of this module, the students will be able to:
- Describe the clinical procedure to maintain hand hygiene and avoid cross transmission.
- Collect and handle specimen collection safely and without contamination.
- Correct use of personal protective clothing and equipment.
- Take appropriate action to avoid needle stick injuries.
- Identify patients with hygiene support needs and devise a care plan for appropriate, patient centred, personal care.
- Refer patients requiring help to available services. · Follow policy to report signs of infection or signs of infection risk in the clinical environment.
- Demonstrate correct and safe disposal of different types of waste following established guidelines and procedures.
- Interpret and explain infection control data and test results. · Implement transmission-based precautions as advised by Infection Control Team.
- Show competence in aseptic non touch technique as needed when performing relevant tasks for example when dealing with invasive devices.
- Analyse different situations in infection prevention and control practices.
- Explain evidence based best practice for the prevention of infection in post-operative surgical sites.
- Acquire the ability to communicate information relating to infection control and prevention to relevant individuals and organisations.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to
- Present own discussion and developments in a logical and organised manner through approaches of critical feedback and self-reflection.
- Engage with peers and/or team members to share and reflect on own development.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc.